Pregnancy Accommodations

The University of Alaska is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible campus environment for our students, employees, and the public. Our commitment extends to supporting the needs of our community, specifically individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. In prioritizing the well-being of the members of our community, we offer accommodations tailored to pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation needs.

UAA

Support for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Parents

UAF

Reasonable Accommodation During Pregnancy

UAS

Pregnancy Accommodations

How to request pregnancy or childbirth-related accommodations

Requests for accommodations can be submitted in person, online, through email, or via phone call. Requests for reasonable accommodations may require additional information from a medical provider documenting the condition, any limitations related to the condition, and the need for an accommodation.  If you are provided an accommodation, you may also be required to provide updated medical information at a later date.

Students can request an accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition by contacting:   

Reasonable accommodations for students may include:

  • Extending deadlines and/or allowing make up of tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-related absences;
  • Excusing medically necessary absences (this generally will be granted, irrespective of classroom attendance requirements set by a faculty member, department, or program);
  • Granting leave or providing incomplete grades for classes that will be resumed at a future date;
  • Modifications to protect the health and safety of the student and/or pregnancy, such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances;
  • Modifications to the physical environment, such as accessible seating; or accessible parking.

External Resources for Students:

Employees can request an accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition by contacting our UA HR Leave and Accommodation team, (907) 450-8200.

Reasonable accommodations for employees may include:

  • Modifications and adjustments up to job duties. 
  • Changes in or to work schedules; leave; additional snack, rest, or bathroom breaks; physical modifications to a workstation, or accessible parking.

All employees who need assistance with Family Medical Leave (FML) can apply with the UA leave vendor, Unum. 

External Resources for Employees:

Visitors can request an accommodation for pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition by contacting our UA HR Leave and Accommodation team, (907) 450-8200.

Reasonable accommodations for guests may include accessible seating and parking, as well as other medically necessary adjustments.

Responsibility of supervisors, faculty and coordinators of public services and events

The university provides reasonable accommodations to qualifying individuals who experience known limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions.

  • For students, faculty should refer students to Disability Services for accommodations.
  • For employees, supervisors should contact the UA HR Leave and Accommodation team if they receive a request for accommodations.
  • For guests, individuals who provide services or events for the public should reach out to the UA HR Leave and Accommodation team if they receive a request for an accommodation.

Discouraging anyone from seeking or using their legally guaranteed accommodations may be considered discrimination. 

Lactation (including breastfeeding and pumping) accommodation

UA supports the rights of parents in our educational and work environment and therefore provides flexibility to allow nursing parents to express breast milk.

If you are a nursing parent and want to request a flexible schedule to express milk during your school or working hours, or at a UA event, students can contact Disability Student Services and employees and guests can contact the UA HR Leave and Accommodation team. Nursing parents are entitled to an appropriate space to express breast milk for or breastfeed a nursing child.

 

How to report pregnancy or childbirth-related discrimination

The University of Alaska prohibits discrimination and harassment. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed because of their pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition may file a complaint with:

Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the university’s Title IX Coordinator, to the assistant secretary for civil rights, or both.